Best test-optional Christian colleges in Iowa
Christian colleges that don't require the SAT or ACT for admission, ranked by Compass Score.
Best test-optional Christian colleges in Iowa3 schools
3 schools qualify, ranked by the Compass Score.
How this list is made
- Schools in Iowa.
- Christian undergraduate colleges on the Compass. Seminaries and graduate-only schools are not counted.
- Admission test policy: considered but not required, or neither required nor recommended (federal admissions data).
- Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
- Ordered by Compass Score, highest first. Schools with the same score share a rank.
Updated Oct. 20, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.
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Northwestern College
Orange City, IA · Private nonprofit- SAT or ACT not required
- Chapel 3+ times a week
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Compare cost and outcomes
| School | Net price a year | Median debt | Earnings 10 years out | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emmaus Bible College | $13,186 | $15,750 | $42,631 | 83% |
| Northwestern College | $25,907 | $23,249 | $49,802 | 66% |
| Dordt University | $25,807 | $21,500 | $52,559 | 70% |
Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.